Tongue Lymphatic Drainage — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Tongue Lymphatic DrainageMFDS Part 1

Which principal regional lymph node group receives lymphatic drainage from the apex (tip) of the tongue?

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Correct answer: B — Submental nodes

The apex of the tongue drains principally to the submental lymph nodes (level IA), often bilaterally because it lies close to the midline. The submandibular nodes mainly receive lymph from the lateral parts of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Deep cervical pathways are more important for central and posterior tongue drainage; the jugulodigastric node, an upper deep cervical node, is particularly associated with the posterior third or base of the tongue. Retropharyngeal nodes principally drain structures such as the nasopharynx rather than the tongue tip. Therefore, the single best answer is B.

Reference: Agarwal S et al. Soft Tissue Management in Implant Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review, oral-cavity lymphatic drainage summary, 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40151726/